Emergency Preparedness at Bruce Power

Although highly unlikely, Bruce Power is prepared for all types of incidents

As part of our Operating License, Bruce Power maintains a robust and multi-faceted emergency response program.

This includes an award-winning security service and a fully equipped fire department, which are part of our Emergency Protective Services division, which is capable of round-the-clock response. We have five fire pump trucks that can provide an external source of water to station fire water systems which, in turn, are used as an emergency cooling water source for critical systems.

In the unlikely event of an emergency, we also have an air/light truck that can remotely provide self-contained breathing apparatus for site staff.

Regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The effectiveness of our emergency response program is continuously assessed through a series of drills and exercises. Every year, we run at least 41 drills and one major exercise that are evaluated by our regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, which has consistently rated our capabilities as fully satisfactory.

Every five years, we also participate in a Provincial Nuclear Emergency Drill that is led by Emergency Measures Ontario (EMO) and tests not only our own emergency plans, but the Municipal Emergency Plan as well.

In October 2012, Bruce Power was one of many participants in an EMO exercise called Huron Challenge – Trillium Resolve. Many members of our staff worked tirelessly in preparation for this exercise, which gave us the tools to be better prepared for any external hazards that Bruce Power may face in the future.

An active member of the CSA Group

As a member of the CSA Group, Bruce Power has also helped draft N1600, General Requirements for Nuclear Emergency Management. This consensus-based standard provides the requirements to develop, implement, evaluate, maintain and continually improve a nuclear emergency management program for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from a nuclear emergency at a reactor facility irrespective of the initiator.

Emergency and Protective Services

Building on a strong track record of ‘Safety First,’ Bruce Power has formed an integrated emergency response organization, bringing all of its emergency response capabilities under a single command structure.

The organization saw Bruce Power’s Security team join forces with the Fire and Emergency Services teams to form Bruce Power Emergency and Protective Services. About 10% of Bruce Power’s workforce lies within this organization.

While Bruce Power’s focus continues to be on delivering safe and reliable electricity, the company has strived to be an industry leader in safety and emergency preparedness; over the years, developing industry-leading emergency response capabilities.

Combining these highly effective organizations that are well rated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission improves our depth when responding to any situation. This type of organization is considered a best practice and aligns with provincial and federal agencies who adopted the integrated emergency response model.

Enhanced Emergency Response

In the wake of the tsunami and nuclear incident at the nuclear facility in Fukushima, Japan, in 2011, Bruce Power added a number of enhancements to our site to both comply with new regulatory requirements, and to ensure that we continue becoming safer and stronger.

Some of these enhancements

Five new fire trucks that pump cold water into our fuelling system in the unlikely case our depth of safety systems no longer work. Two are on site and three are stored off-site, on high ground, in a building that is safe and dry.

Nine new back-up generators, stored off site, on high ground, in a safe and dry location.

Dedicated emergency response team of about 400 highly trained people who have proven to be world leaders in safety and emergency preparedness. The team, called the Emergency and Protective Services division, is comprised of our award-winning security and emergency response teams, as well as fire and paramedics.

A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Management Centre (EMC) at the Visitors’ Centre will allow us to communicate externally and monitor on-site activity.

Point-to-point radio communications that work independent of the installed systems, as a fail-safe communication tool.

A state-of-the-art fire training facility, that provides staff with real-life situations in a scaled version of our stations.

Testing and developing a system for FM broadcast alerts.

Secured the first emergency AM broadcast test licence in Canada to broadcast on an emergency frequency that can be accessed on a simple battery-operated radio. The transmission can last for 12 days and is capable of recharging with its solar panel.

Exploring an All-Channel Alert system that will broadcast directly onto the TVs of community members. This is similar to an Amber Alert.

Fire Training Facility opportunities

In 2015, Bruce Power opened its doors to the new 23,000-square foot Emergency and Protective Services (EPS) Training Facility onsite. This state-of-the-art training grounds took 18 months to build, and offers an exceptional training experience.

As part of our operating license, Bruce Power maintains a robust and multi-faceted emergency response program.

This includes our Emergency and Protective Services department, which features an award-winning security service, a fully equipped fire department and an around-the-clock emergency response organization.

Community Emergency Management

The Community Emergency Management Coordinator for Kincardine maintains a call-down list for all households (approximately 35-40) within a three kilometre radius of the site perimeter in case action, such as sheltering or evacuation, is necessary.

The area is also served by warning sirens and people in this zone are provided handouts on the required response and reminded of those actions each year. Below is a map of the zones surrounding the Bruce site.

Potassium Iodide distribution

Bruce Power, in partnership with the Grey Bruce Health Unit and regional municipalities, made Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets available to all residents, schools and businesses within a 50 kilometre radius of Bruce Power in 2015. Those within a 10 km radius received the tablets, while those further from the facility received coupons and information on KI.

KI has always been available to residents free of charge. This initiative, advocated by The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to pre-distribute Potassium Iodide to residents will replace the current practice of having the tablets stored at one central location at the Municipal Reception Evacuation Centre in Kincardine.

Potassium Iodide, when taken as instructed, blocks the thyroid from radioactive iodine in the unlikely event of a radiation release.

For all residents, schools and businesses within a 50 km radius to Bruce Power, distribution pick-up points have been made available for you to pick up tablets should you choose. Visit http://www.bepreparedgreybrucehuron.com/nuclear/ki-tablets/ for pick-up locations.

Detailed Emergency Plan

An Emergency Plan, including designated emergency evacuation routes and zones, and designated media, can be found on the Municipality of Kincardine’s website and more information about personal emergency preparedness can be found at www.bepreparedgreybrucehuron.com.

For more information about , contact the municipality’s Community Emergency Management Coordinator at kinfirecemc@bmts.com or 519-396-2141.